Skip to main content

Lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus)

 

Lesser adjutant


Lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus)

The Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) is a large bird belonging to the stork family, Ciconiidae. It's primarily found in South and Southeast Asia, inhabiting wetlands, marshes, and forested areas.

Here are some key points about this fascinating bird:

  1. Appearance: The Lesser Adjutant is a distinctive bird with a large size, standing up to 120-130 cm (47-51 inches) tall, with a wingspan reaching around 250 cm (98 inches). It has a predominantly dark plumage, with black feathers covering most of its body, and a naked, wrinkled neck and head. The bill is thick and sturdy, usually yellowish in color, and the legs are long and grayish.

  2. Habitat and Distribution: Lesser Adjutants are primarily found in the wetlands and marshes of South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia. They prefer habitats such as mangrove forests, freshwater marshes, and open grasslands near water bodies.

  3. Feeding Behavior: These storks are opportunistic feeders, preying on a variety of small animals including fish, frogs, reptiles, crustaceans, and even small mammals and birds. They are known to scavenge as well, feeding on carrion and waste in urban areas.

  4. Breeding: Lesser Adjutants typically breed during the dry season in their respective habitats. They build large stick nests in trees, often in colonies with other storks or waterbirds. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.

  5. Conservation Status: The Lesser Adjutant is classified as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, disturbance, and hunting pressure. Wetland degradation and destruction, as well as illegal trade and poaching, pose significant threats to their populations.

Efforts are underway to conserve and protect the habitats of Lesser Adjutants, including the establishment of protected areas and conservation projects aimed at raising awareness about the importance of these birds and their ecosystems.

Please don't use these images anywhere without permission. © All rights reserved by Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Bar-headed goose

  The bar-headed goose is a fascinating species known for its incredible migratory feats. It's often considered one of the world's highest-flying birds, capable of reaching altitudes of up to 29,000 feet (8,800 meters) during its migration over the Himalayas. These geese breed in Central Asia and migrate over the Himalayas to wintering grounds in the Indian subcontinent. Physical Characteristics: Size: They are typically around 71-76 centimeters (28-30 inches) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 127 to 142 centimeters (50 to 56 inches). Coloration: Adults have a distinctive appearance with a white head, neck, and underparts, while the back and wings are a pale gray-brown color. They have black bars or stripes across their chest and neck, which give them their name. Bill: The bill is relatively short and orange-yellow in color. Legs and Feet: Their legs and webbed feet are orange-yellow. Behavior and Adaptations: Migration:   Bar-headed geese are renowned for their extraord...

what does munia bird eat

what does munia bird eat The Munia bird, a small finch-like creature, sustains itself primarily on a diet of seeds. In its natural habitat, it forages for a variety of seeds, such as millet, canary grass, and other wild grass seeds. Its beak is adept at cracking open these seeds, providing it with essential nutrients and energy. During breeding season, Munias may supplement their diet with insects and green vegetation to meet the increased nutritional demands for raising their offspring. Whether in the wild or in captivity, Munias thrive on a seed-rich diet, occasionally incorporating insects and greens for added nourishment.

Bank Myna

  The bank myna, also known as the common myna or Indian myna, is a bird species native to Asia. It's known for its adaptability and intelligence, often found in urban and suburban areas.  Appearance: Size: Bank mynas typically measure about 23 to 26 centimeters (9 to 10 inches) in length. Coloration: Their plumage is mostly brown with a glossy sheen, especially on the head and upperparts. The wings and tail are darker brown, while the underside is paler. They have a distinctive yellow patch of bare skin around their eyes, and their legs and beak are also yellow. Head: The head is black, contrasting sharply with the rest of the body. Their eyes are dark and prominent. Sexual Dimorphism:   Males and females generally have similar appearances, with no significant differences in plumage coloration. Behavior and Habits: Vocalizations: Bank mynas are highly vocal birds, capable of producing a wide range of calls and sounds. Their calls include whistles, squawks, and chattering...